Bath Tub Races Back for Downtown July 4 Celebration

Good, clean fun is returning to McMinnville’s downtown Fourth of July celebration. Bathtub races have been added to the patriotic schedule this Saturday morning!

It’s been decades since such races have been held, although the exact year of the last bathtub races is uncertain.

Rules require participants to build their own vehicle with four tires. However, an actual bathtub does not have to be used.

Coverage of the July 4, 1988 bathtub race in the Southern Standard noted that only one entry, Ken’s Electrical Service, used a genuine bathtub as part of its vehicle.

The bathtub races will end an exciting morning of activities on Court Square that begins with the long-standing tradition of the First United Methodist Church pancake breakfast.

The celebration moves to Milner Recreation Center in the evening for music and fireworks.

DOWNTOWN McMINNVILLE, JULY 4

7 am – Pancake breakfast begins

7:30 am – Stars and Stripes Fun Run
8 am – Heritage Alliance Museum opens
9 am – Patriotic program
9:30 am – Yankee Doodle Children’s Parade
10 am – Watermelon drop
10:15 am – Mr & Miss Stars and Stripes Pageant at Park Theater
11 am – Time capsule at Chamber
11:30 am – Bathtub races

MILNER RECREATION CENTER, JULY 4

5 pm – Vendors open
6 pm – August Lows
7 pm – Joe Harvey Band
9 pm – Fireworks